October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Domestic violence.

A term known to many. A crime experienced by too many. Each year, millions of individuals across the country experience domestic violence.

By definition, domestic violence, also called “intimate partner violence”, is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence is a serious, wide-spread problem that can happen to ANYONE. This may range from people who are married or living together, to those who are dating casually or seriously, and to those who are just beginning their relationship or who have been together long-term. Domestic violence does not discriminate, as anyone may fall victim to it regardless of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim. The same goes for perpetrators, as they may come from varied educational backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, etc. Domestic violence may include the use of physical or sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse or economic deprivation to control the victim.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the Day of Unity, which was first held in October 1981 to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. Because of the hard work of survivors, legislatures, communities, and activists around the world, domestic violence is no longer “hidden in the shadows”, with organizations such as Someplace Safe, and a multitude of other agencies across the state working to assist individuals and families who are affected by this pervasive crime. In addition, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is not only a time to celebrate how far we have come, but to remember those who lost their lives, and to continue the important work of spreading hope to survivors.

Get involved in your community.

This October, Someplace Safe invites you to participate in spreading awareness about domestic violence. Do so is easy! By simply talking about the issue of domestic violence at work or with your friends, offering support to a survivor who may come your way for help, or sharing information on social media throughout the month of October, you are doing your part in making a difference!

You may also check out the Someplace Safe event calendar, located at https://www.someplacesafe.info/events/calendar.html to find out what is happening in your community during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Whether volunteering at a local domestic violence awareness event, or attending one of our fall fundraisers, you are supporting Someplace Safe’s efforts to create safer families and safer communities.

Day of Purple on October 18th.

You may also choose to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence by participating in the annual “Day of Purple” event on October 18, 2018. On this day, community members may stand in solidarity and wear purple clothing as a way to honor friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers who have been affected by domestic violence.

Someplace Safe will be accepting “Purple Pledges” in honor of the “Day of Purple”. To participate, simply pledge a few dollars for the “privilege” of wearing purple on October 18th in support of the “Day of Purple” Campaign. Then bring your group’s “purple pledges” to your local Someplace Safe office, or mail to: P.O. Box 815, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0815. Stickers and posters are also available to community members wishing to spread the word about the “Day of Purple”. To request “Day of Purple” stickers and posters contact your local Someplace Safe office or email newsletter@someplacesafe.info.

Help for victims and survivors.

If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, call your local Someplace Safe office or our 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-974-3359 to speak with a trained advocate. Services are free and confidential and include accessible services such as interpreters, live chat, and texting. For more information visit www.someplacesafe.info.